title: Strength and body composition changes in recreationally strength-trained individuals: comparison of one versus three sets resistance-training programmes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing the volume of weight-training from one to three sets upon body composition and muscular strength.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen male weight-trainers volunteered to act as subjects and were randomly assigned to one of two training groups. Supervised weight-training targeting the upper body was conducted three times per week for eight weeks using one set (n = 8) or three sets (n = 8) of six repetitions to fatigue. Subjects were measured before and after the training intervention for (1) strength performance (N and kg) and (2) adiposity (sum of seven skinfold thicknesses in mm).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both training groups improved significantly (20.7%) in terms of muscular strength (P < 0.05) with no differences being observed between the one set (21.98% increase) and three set group (20.71% increase) after the training interventions (P > 0.05). Significant decreases were also observed for skinfold measures in the one set group (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One set of high intensity resistance training was as effective as three sets for increasing the strength of muscle groups in the upper body. The one set protocol also produced significantly greater decreases in adiposity.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Clinical Exercise & Health Science, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton ML3 0JB, UK.
authors.forename: J S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Buchan
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kilgore
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology*; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D011998:Recreation; D055070:Resistance Training; D055815:Young Adult